New record of Philometra species from the marine edible fish Terapon jarbua collected from the Sindh, Arabian Sea, Pakistan

Diseases in fish due to helminth parasites, especially Philometra species, are the primary worry in aquaculture. Philometra are responsible for health problem in fishes they directly affect fish growth and population parameters. A comprehensive survey was conducted involving the examination of the marine fish species Terapon jarbua, gathered from the coastal waters of Sindh, Pakistan In this research different Philometra species from marine fish Terapon jarbua during 2021 and 2022. Philometra nematodes, belonging to the family Philometridae, are common parasitic organisms inhabiting both marine and freshwater environments. Their prevalence, particularly when existing in high numbers within host organisms, can lead to severe and potentially lethal consequences. Employing light microscopy techniques, diverse species of Philometra were identified, including Philometra teraponi, P. jarbuai, P. arabiai, P. karachii, and P. awarii, localized primarily within the ovaries of the host fish. A total of 140 fish samples were examined and 76 were infected. The intensity of infected fish was 54.28%. The identification process encompassed meticulous analysis of crucial parameters, such as body size, esophagus length, positioning of the nerve ring, dimensions of the ventriculus, and ligament size. Intriguingly, the parasites were found in varying contexts; while some were free within the ovaries, others were embedded within tissues, inducing severe muscular dystrophy. This research presents novel findings of Philometra nematodes in the marine waters of Pakistan, extending their host and geographical distribution records. Future studies are needed to better evaluate and describe the dynamics and the epidemiology of Philometra infection in wild and cultured fish species.

In situ fabrication of lanthanum-doped nickel oxide nanostructures using sol-gel for the degradation of rhodamine B

Nanoscale science represents a thriving field of research for environmental applications within materials science. This study focuses on the fabrication of pure and La-doped nickel oxide (NiO) nanostructures with varying concentrations (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 wt%) of lanthanum using a facile sol-gel technique. This study explores the structural, morphological, chemical composition, and optical characteristics of the resulting pure and La-doped NiO nanostructures. Techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, UV-visible spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy were used for material analysis. The observed trend in the energy band gap (Eg) values demonstrates a continuous decrease up to a La-doping concentration of 3 wt% in NiO. However, after this concentration (at 4.0 wt%), there is a noticeable increase in the energy band gap. At lower La-doping concentrations (up to 3 wt%), the incorporation of La ions into the NiO lattice may result in the formation of defects and oxygen vacancies. The presence of these imperfections may lead to new energy levels into the band gap, resulting in partial filling and a subsequent reduction in the band gap. Beyond a specific doping concentration (e.g., 3 wt%), excess La atoms may aggregate or cluster inside the NiO lattice. This agglomeration may cause structural distortions, strain, and disturbances in the crystal lattice, resulting in an increase in the band gap. The 3 wt% La-doped NiO sample demonstrated a notable 84% degradation efficiency of the synthesized nanomaterials coupled with its inherent stability, highlighting its dual attributes of effective pollutant removal and sustained performance. Furthermore, the cyclic stability of the optimized nanostructure is anticipated to be ∼77.42% after six cycles, suggesting promising future applications in photocatalysis.

Tuning the Magnetic Behavior of Zinc Ferrite via Cobalt Substitution: A Structural Analysis

Cobalt-doped zinc ferrite is a contemporary material with significant structural and magnetic characteristics. Our study explores the magnetic properties of cobalt-substituted zinc ferrite (ZnxCo1-xFe2O4), synthesized via a simple sol-gel method. By varying the cobalt ratio from 0 to 0.5, we found that zinc substitution impacts both the magnetization and lattice parameters. FTIR analysis suggested the presence of functional groups, particularly depicting an M-O stretching band, within octahedral and tetrahedral clusters. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the phase purity and cubic structure. The synthesized materials exhibited an average particle size of 24-75 nm. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the morphological properties, confirming the formation of truncated octahedral particles. In order to determine the stability, mass loss (%), and thermal behavior, a thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)/differential thermal analysis (DTA)) was performed. The magnetic properties of the synthesized ferrites were confirmed via a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). Finally, the highest saturated magnetization and lowest coercivity values were observed with higher concentrations of the cobalt dopant substituting zinc. The synthesized nanomaterials have good stability as compared to other such materials and can be used for magnetization in the near future.

Novel Para-Aminobenzoic Acid Analogs and Their Potential Therapeutic Applications

A "building block" is a key component that plays a substantial and critical function in the pharmaceutical research and development industry. Given its structural versatility and ability to undergo substitutions at both the amino and carboxyl groups, para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) is a commonly used building block in pharmaceuticals. Therefore, it is great for the development of a wide range of novel molecules with potential medical applications. Anticancer, anti-Alzheimer's, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties have been observed in PABA compounds, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents in future clinical trials. PABA-based therapeutic chemicals as molecular targets and their usage in biological processes are the primary focus of this review study. PABA's unique features make it a strong candidate for inclusion in a massive chemical database of molecules having drug-like effects. Based on the current literature, further investigation is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PABA derivatives in clinical investigations and better understand the specific mechanism of action revealed by these compounds.

Experimental and Theoretical Biological Probing of Schiff Bases as Esterase Inhibitors: Structural, Spectral and Molecular Insights

The present study was designed to evaluate the in vitro and in silico potential of the Schiff bases (Z)-4-ethoxy-N-((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methylene)benzenamine (1) and (Z)-2,4-diiodo-6-((2-methyl-3-nitrophenylimino)methyl)phenol (2). These Schiff bases were synthesized according to a reported method using ethanol as a solvent, and each reaction was monitored on a TLC until completion of the reaction. The structures of both compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic techniques such as UV-Vis, FTIR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Molecular structure was determined using single-crystal XRD, which revealed that compounds 1 and 2 were monoclinic and triclinic, respectively. Hirshfeld surface analysis (HS) and 2D fingerprint plots were used to determine the intermolecular interactions along the contact contribution in the crystalline molecules. The structures of both compounds were optimized through a hybrid functional method B3LYP using the 6-31G(d,p) basis set, and various structural parameters were studied. The experimental and theoretical parameters (bond angle and bond length) of the compounds were compared with each other and are in close agreement. The in vitro esterase potential of the synthesized compounds was checked using a spectrophotometric model, while in silico molecular docking studies were performed with AutoDock against two enzymes of the esterase family. The docking studies and the in vitro assessment predicted that such molecules could be used as enzyme inhibitors against the tested enzymes: acetylcholine esterase (AChE) and butyrylcholine esterase (BChE).

Synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic and computational investigations of the newly synthesized Schiff bases scaffold as enzyme inhibitor

The current project was planned to access the enzyme inhibition potential of the synthesize imines; (E)-2-(2-hydroxy-4,5-dimethoxybenzylideneamino)benzonitrile 1 and (E)-2-(((3-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)imino)methyl)-4-methoxyphenol 2 by the reported protocol of our continuous research and also assess their theoretical function in term of in silico action. The structural characterization of imines was done through advanced techniques i.e., FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, and UV spectroscopy. Moreover, a single X-Ray diffraction technique (SCXRD) was employed for real structural identification of imines dimensions, which revealed that compound 1 has a triclinic crystal system although 2 has a monoclinic one. A 2D fingerprint plot and Hirshfeld surface analysis (HS) was employed in the crystalline assembly of compounds to check intermolecular contacts and also their degree of contributions. Both compounds were optimized by B3LYP functional mode using a certain basis set (6-31G). The practical data (XRD) and theoretical data (DFT) of both molecules were compared and found between a sound coherence. Molecular docking studies in term of in silico assessment were conducted against enzymes of the esterase and alpha-glucosidase family. The docking outputs give a forecast about compounds that could be employed as protein inhibitors against analyzed protein surfaces.

Computational modeling of imines based anti-oxidant and anti-esterases compounds: Synthesis, single crystal and In-vitro assessment

Molecular modeling strategy was adopted to check the biological potential of the imine based molecules against free radical, acetylcholine esterase and butyrylcholine esterase. Three Schiff based compounds as (E)-2-(((4-bromophenyl)imino)methyl)-4-methylphenol (1), (E)-2-(((3-fluorophenyl)imino)methyl)-4-methylphenol (2) and (2E,2E)-2-(2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzylidene)hydrazono)-1,2-diphenylethanone (3) were synthesized with high yield. The synthesized compounds were characterized with the help of modern techniques such as UV, FTIR and NMR while exact structure was depicted with Single Crystal X-Ray diffraction technique which disclosed that compound 1 is orthorhombic, while 2 and 3 are monoclinic. A hybrid functional (B3LYP) method with general basis set of 6-31 G(d,p) were applied to optimize synthesized Schiff bases. The contribution of in-between molecular contacts within a crystalline assembly of compounds were studied using Hirshfeld surface analysis (HS). In order to check the ability of the synthesized compounds toward free radical and enzyme inhibition, in vitro models were used to assess the radical scavenging and enzyme inhibition potential which depicted that compound 3 showed highest potential (57.43 ± 1.0%; DPPH, 75.09 ± 1.0%; AChE and 64.47 ± 1.0%; BChE). The ADMET assessments suggested the drug like properties of the synthesized compounds. It was concluded from results (in vitro and in silico) that synthesized compound have ability to cure the disorder related to free radical and enzyme inhibition. Compound 3 was shown to be the most active compared to other compounds.

Molecular docking with SARS-CoV-2 and potential drug property of a bioactive novel Zn(II) polymer: A combined experimental and theoretical study

A new Zn(II) coordination polymer based on o-phthalato (Phth) and 2-aminopyridine (2-Ampy) viz. {[Zn(2-Ampy)₂(Phth)]∙(H₂O)]}_n (1) has been synthesized at room temperature and characterized by elemental analyses, electronic spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The basic trimeric units of 1 form a polymeric chain by N-H⋯O and π⋯π interactions. These polymeric chains interconnect through various non-covalent interactions in two perpendicular directions to ultimately give rise to a 3D architecture of 1. The interesting non-covalent interactions in 1, contributing to its stability in the solid state are studied by Hirshfeld surface analysis and other different theoretical tools. Molecular docking study of 1 is performed against six different proteins of SARS-CoV-2. The drug potential of the synthesized compound is evaluated by ADMET calculations.

Designing of Thiazolidinones for COVID‐19 and its Allied Diseases: An In silico Evaluation

In silico studies in terms of density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking, and ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity) were performed for 55 thiazolidinones compounds derived from different amines and aldehydes. DFT is a computational quantum mechanical modeling method used to predict the various properties of the compounds. Different parameters such as Electronegativity (x), Chemical Hardness (ŋ), Chemical Potential (μ), Ionization potential (IP), and Electron Affinity (EA), etc. were calculated by Koopmans theorem. The compounds were docked with Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software using already reported PDB files of BChE, AChE, and α‐glucosidase. To analyze the Spike Glycoprotein of SARS‐Cov‐2 and heterocyclic compounds, molecular interactions study was carried out between Spike Glycoprotein of SARS‐Cov‐2 (6VXX) and 55 synthetic heterocyclic compounds. It was performed by the utilization of PyRx Virtual Screening Tool and AutoDock Vina based virtual environment was used in PyRx. Maximum binding affinity was observed with compound A7 which was −8.7 kcal/mol and then with A5 which was −8.5 respectively. In the case of the AChE enzyme, B5 has a maximum docking score of −12.9027 kcal/mol while C7 depicted the maximum score for the BChE enzyme with a value of −8.6971 kcal/mol. The docking studies revealed that C6 compound has maximum binding capacity toward glucosidase (−14.8735 kcal/mol). ADMET properties of under consideration compounds were determined by Swiss online‐based software which concluded that these molecules have a drug‐like properties and having no violation.

Extraction of Bioactive Compounds for Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Antidiabetic Applications

This study was designed to check the potential of secondary metabolites of the selected plants; Citrullus colocynthis, Solanum nigrum, Solanum surattense, Calotropis procera, Agave americana, and Anagallis arvensis for antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic agents. Plant material was soaked in ethanol/methanol to get the crude extract, which was further partitioned via solvent extraction technique. GCMS and FTIR analytical techniques were applied to check the compounds responsible for causing antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic activities. It was concluded that about 80% of studied extracts/fractions were active against α-amylase, ranging from 43 to 96%. The highest activity (96.63%) was exhibited by butanol fractions of A. arvensis while the least response (43.65%) was shown by the aqueous fraction of C. colocynthis and the methanol fraction of fruit of S. surattense. The highest antioxidant activity was shown by the ethyl acetate fraction of Anagallis arvensis (78.1%), while aqueous as well as n-hexane fractions are the least active throughout the assay. Results showed that all tested plants can be an excellent source of natural products with potential antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic potential. The biological response of these species is depicted as a good therapeutic agent, and, in the future, it can be encapsulated for drug discovery.

Therapeutical Potential of Imines; Synthesis, Single Crystal Structure, Computational, Molecular Modeling, and ADMET Evaluation

Imines are multipurpose pharmacophores, simply accessible compounds, and have a broad range of usage in several areas of chemistry especially in medicine. Two novel compound imines, (E)-4-methyl-2-((o-tolylimino)methyl)phenol (1) and (E)-2-(((4-methoxybenzyl)imino)methyl)-4-methylphenol (2), were synthesized with effective product via reported protocol in the literature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) was employed for structural exposition, disclosing that both compounds are orthorhombic. To optimize the newly designed imines, a B3LYP functional with a basis set 6-31G(d,p) was mainly considered. DFT results were utilized to check correlation between the data recovered from SCXRD outcomes and also to measure the energy difference. Hirshfeld surface study was done to demonstrate the intermolecular contacts along the percentage of interaction in the overall crystalline compound. Molecular operating environment program was tested against AChE and BChE enzymes to perform a modeling study of the compounds. The docking score and binding affinity of the compounds revealed that 2 showed comparatively more inhibition than 1. In silico ADMET studies exposed the physiochemical nature of these novel compounds, and it also unveiled that both compounds behaved as drug-like candidates.

Heterocyclic compounds as a magic bullet for diabetes mellitus: a review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disorder due to hyperglycemia, which is increasing all over the world. From the last two decades, the use of synthetic agents has risen due to their major involvement in curing of chronic diseases including DM. The core skeleton of drugs has been studied such as thiazolidinone, azole, chalcone, pyrrole and pyrimidine along with their derivatives. Diabetics assays have been performed in consideration of different enzymes such as α-glycosidase, α-amylase, and α-galactosidase against acarbose standard drug. The studied moieties were depicted in both models: in vivo as well as in vitro. Molecular docking of the studied compounds as antidiabetic molecules was performed with the help of Auto Dock and molecular operating environment (MOE) software. Amino acid residues Asp349, Arg312, Arg439, Asn241, Val303, Glu304, Phe158, His103, Lys422 and Thr207 that are present on the active sites of diabetic related enzymes showed interactions with ligand molecules. In this review data were organized for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds through various routes along with their antidiabetic potential, and further studies such as pharmacokinetic and toxicology studies should be executed before going for clinical trials.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disorder due to hyperglycemia, which is increasing all over the world.

Cassia fistula Leaves; UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS Based Metabolite Profiling and Molecular Docking Insights to Explore Bioactives Role Towards Inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase

The present work was aimed at investigating hydroethanolic leaf extracts of Cassia fistula for their antioxidant and pancreatic lipase (PL) enzyme inhibitory properties. The most active extract was selected to profile the phytoconstituents by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS technique. Among the tested extracts, the 80% hydroethanolic extract exhibited the maximum levels of total phenolic and flavonoid contents (TPC and TFC) with a contribution of 201.3 ± 2.6 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract (GAE/g extract), and 116.3 ± 2.4 mg of rutin equivalent per gram of extract (RE/g extract), respectively. The same extract also showed promising 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and PL inhibitory activity with an IC₅₀ (half maximal inhibitory concentration) of 30.5 ± 2.8 µg/mL and 17.31 ± 1.18 μg/mL, respectively. The phytochemical profiling of 80% hydroethanolic extract confirmed the presence of 23 metabolites of immense medicinal significance. Docking studies were conducted to investigate the potential interactions of compounds identified in the study. The docking study-based binding energy data and the interaction scheme both revealed the possible role of the identified compounds towards PL inhibitor. Moreover, energies of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), ionization potentials (IP), electron affinities (EA) and molecular electrostatic potentials (MEP) were also explored. The findings of the current work suggest that C. fistula is a promising natural source of antioxidant and antiobesity agents, which may be exploited to add pharmacological functionalities to food.

Sulfonamide Derived Esters: Synthesis, Characterization, Density Functional Theory and Biological Evaluation through Experimental and Theoretical Approach

A series of new solid esters was synthesized by using greener chemistry strategy involving simple reaction of an alcohol with sulfonamide ligand. Characterization study of these methyl (1), ethyl (2) isopropyl (3) and n-butyl (4) ester of 4-((4-chlo-rophenylsulfonamido)methyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid was done by using FTIR, NMR mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. The compounds were optimized with Gaussian software according to basis set B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) and their different parameters related to structure were calculated. Furthermore, all compounds of the series were screened for their in vitro biological applications involving anti-bacterial (Chromohalobactor salixgens, Halomonas halofila, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Shiegella sonnei), anti-fungal (Aspergillus niger), anti-oxidant (DPPH scavenging activity) and enzyme inhibition (acetylcholine esterase and butyrylcholine esterase) study. Sulfonamide based esters were also docked against selected enzymes (AChE and BChE) using MOE software for their mode of binding. Results obtained from these biological evaluations showed that such compounds have potential against targeted activity.

[Regulation of m^(6)A RNA Methylation and Its Effect on Myogenic Differentiation in Murine Myoblasts]

N^(6)-methyladenosine (m^(6)A) has been identified as a conserved epitranscriptomic modification of eukaryotic mRNAs, and plays important biological roles in the regulation of cellular metabolic processes. However, its role in myogenic differentiation is unclear. Here, we altered the m^(6)A RNA methylation level by overexpression of METTL3, and explored the effect of m^(6)A RNA methylation on myogenic differentiation of murine myoblasts in vitro. The m6A RNA methylation level is regulated by exogenous methylation inhibitor cycloleucine (Cyc) and methyl donor betaine (Bet). Therefore, chemical reagents of Cyc and Bet were used to test the regulatory effect of m^(6)A RNA methylation on myogenic differentiation. Results showed that METTL3 and Bet positively regulated the m^(6)A RNA methylation levels, and Cyc negatively regulated m^(6)A RNA methylation levels. In addition, m^(6)A methylation positively regulated myogenic differentiation in murine myoblasts. These findings provide insight in the mechanisms underlying the effect of m^(6)A RNA methylation on myogenesis.

Therapeutic Application of Zinc and Vanadium Complexes against Diabetes Mellitus a Coronary Disease: A review

During the last two decades, number of peoples suffering from diabetes has increased from 30-230 million globally. Today, seven out of the ten top countries are suffering from diabetes, are emergent countries. Due to alarming situations of diabetes, chemists and pharmacist are continuously searching and synthesizing new potent therapeutics to treat this disease. Now a days, considerable attention is being paid to the chemistry of the metal-drug interactions. Metals and their organic based complexes are being used clinically for various ailments. In this review, a comprehensive discussion about synthesis and diabetic evaluation of zinc and vanadium complex is summarized.

Synthesis, spectral characterization and computed optical analysis of potent triazole based compounds

Biologically active triazole Schiff base ligand (L) and metal complexes [Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)] are reported herein. The ligand acted as tridentate and coordinated towards metallic ions via azomethine-N, triazolic-N moiety and deprotonated-O of phenyl substituents in an octahedral manner. These compounds were characterized by physical, spectral and analytical analysis. The synthesized ligand and metal complexes were screened for antibacterial pathogens against Chromohalobacter salexigens, Chromohalobacter israelensi, Halomonas halofila and Halomonas salina, antifungal bioassay against Aspergillus niger and Aspergellus flavin, antioxidant (DPPH, phosphomolybdate) and also for enzyme inhibition [butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE)] studies. The results of these activities indicated the ligand to possess potential activity which significantly increased upon chelation. Moreover, vibrational bands, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) and natural bond analysis (NBO) of ligand (1) were carried out through density functional theory (DFT) with B3lYP/6-311++G (d,p) approach. While, UV-Vis analysis was performed by time dependent TD-DFT with B3lYP/6-311++G (d,p) method. NBO analysis revealed that investigated compound (L) contains enormous molecular stability owing to hyper conjugative interactions. Theoretical spectroscopic findings showed good agreement to experimental spectroscopic data. Global reactivity descriptors were calculated using the energies of FMOs which indicated compound (L) might be bioactive. These parameters confirmed the charge transfer phenomenon and reasonable correspondence with experimental bioactivity results.

Phenolic profiling and therapeutic potential of local flora of Azad Kashmir; In vitro enzyme inhibition and antioxidant

The current study supports the phytochemical screening, evaluation of antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential and correlations between antioxidant activities and phenolics of Rumex dentatus (Family: Polygonaceae), Mentha spicata (Family: Lamiaceae), Withania somnifera (Family: Solanaceae), Nerium indicum (Family: Apocynaceae) and Artemisia scoparia (Family: Asteraceae). The herbal materials were extracted in ethanol (90%) and partitioned between several solvents based on polarities. Total phenols were determined with FC method and ranged 21.33 ± 1.53 - 355.67 ± 6.03 mg GAE/ mg of the extract. Antioxidant activities (DPPH, total iron reducing capacity, phosphomolybdate assay & FRAP) and enzyme inhibition potential (Protease, AChE & BChE) were performed by the standard protocols. The results showed that all extracts exhibited significant DPPH activity ranging from 12.67 ± 2.08 - 92.67 ± 1.53%. The extracts that were active in DPPH activity also potrayed marvelous FRAP, total iron reducing and phosphomolybdate values. Correlation studies of antioxidant activities and the content of phenolic compounds in plant materials exhibited positive correlation between them. The outcome of enzyme inhibition activity exhibited that about 80% of the fractions under surveillance plants intimated more than 50% inhibition. Isolation of bioactive compounds from these plants is in progress.

Isolation of anticancer and antimicrobial metabolites from Epicoccum nigrum; endophyte of Ferula sumbul

Owing to the importance of endophytes, current research was aimed to purify the secondary metabolites from targeted source. Ferula sumbul, a lipophilic extract of the endophyte was prepared in 10% methanol and partitioned with ethyl acetate and bioassay guided isolation was carried using standard protocols against bacterial, fungal and cancer cells. The active fractions consisted of three new metabolites (2-methyl-3-nonyl prodiginine, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and a meroterpenoid, Preaustinoid A). Their structures were confirmed with LCMS/MS. The purified metabolites showed valuable results against tested activities which concluded that these compounds have great potential and these may be applicable to textile (dyeing), pharmaceutical (drug, infectious agents) and food (preservatives) industries. This study reveals the potential of E. nigrum as an important source of bioactive compounds including 2-methyl-3-nonyl prodiginine, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and Preaustinoid A. This is first report of isolation of prodiginines as well as meroterpenoid and Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate from Epicoccum nigrum.

Antioxidant and antiacetylcholine esterase potential of aerial parts of Conocarpus erectus, Ficus variegata and Ficus maclellandii

The current study was designed to check the antioxidant and enzyme inhibition potential of various extracts/ fractions of three selected plants. The aerial parts of Conocarpus erectus (Combretaceae), Ficus variegata (Moraceae) and Ficus maclellandii (Moraceae) were extracted with ethanol (95%) and the resulting crude extracts were partitioned with n-hexane, chloroform and n-butanol successively. Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used to calculate the total phenolic contents, flavonoids contents were calculated with aluminum chloride while antioxidant and enzyme studies were carried out through standard protocols. All extracts/fractions contained reasonable amount of phenolic compounds ranging from 0.58-58.23 mg CE/g of DW and 0.43-30.56 mg GAE/g of DW. Total flavonoids were determined using rutin and quercetin standards, ranging from 2.65-18.2 mg rutin equivalent/g of dry weight and 0.92-5.41 mg quercetin equivalent/g of dry weight. Antioxidant studies such as DPPH inhibition FRAP and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was checked. The crude ethanolic extract of C. erectus showed maximum antiradical scavenging power (90.43%; IC50=7 μg) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (16.5 μM eq.FeSO4.7H2O), respectively while leave extract of F. variegata (chloroform) was the most active (0.6577) in TAC among other extracts of the selected medicinal plants. Butanolic leave extract of C. erectus exhibited maximum enzyme inhibition activity (91.62% with IC50 40 μg/ml) while other extracts showed significant activity. It was observed from results that all extracts/fractions of under consideration plants, exhibited significant bioactivities especially ethanolic and butanolic fractions, which may be the richest source of such type of activities.

Efficacy and tolerability of combination cisplatin and ifosfamide chemotherapy with vaginal cuff brachytherapy in the first line treatment of uterine carcinosarcoma

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

A retrospective study to evaluate six cycles of cisplatin 40 mg/m2 on day 1 and ifosfamide 1,200 mg/m2 daily on days 1 to 4 with Mesna every four weeks as first line treatment for 29 patients with a diagnosis of uterine carcinosarcoma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 23 of 29 patients received high dose rate intracavitary vaginal cuff brachytherapy (VCBT) with two fractions of seven Gy each. Median age was 65 years (range 40-82); 13 (44.8%) had Stage I disease, three (10.3%) had Stage II, eight (27.6%) had Stage III, and five (17.2%) patients had Stage IV disease.

RESULTS

Most common toxicities were anemia grade 1 (35%)/grade 2 (45%), and neutropenia grade 3 (17%)/grade 4 (6.9%). Eleven dose modifications, four treatment discontinuations, and one patient withdrawal occurred. At a median follow up of 45 months (range 9 to 144), Progression free survival (PFS) was 20% and overall survival (OS) was 40% for Stage IV, PFS 75% and OS 62.5% for Stage III, compared to a PFS 75% and OS 72.2% for Stages I-II. Median OS for the entire group was 12.43 years (95% CI 3.69 to inf); for Stage I-III 12.4 years (6.1 to inf), and for Stage IV 15.6 months (95% CI 9.4 to inf).

CONCLUSIONS

Cisplatin and ifosfamide chemotherapy with VCBT was well tolerated and has promising activity in uterine carcinosarcoma.

Crystal structure of 2-benzenesulfonamido-3-hydroxypropanoic acid

In the title compound, C₉H₁₁NO₅S, the O=S=O plane of the sulfonyl group is twisted at a dihedral angle of 52.54 (16)° with respect to the benzene ring. The dihedral angle between the carb­oxy­lic acid group and the benzene ring is 49.91 (16)°. In the crystal, C—H⋯O, N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into (001) sheets.

Crystal structure of (2S)-3-methyl-2-[(naphthalen-1-ylsulfon-yl)amino]-butanoic acid

The title compound, C15H17NO4S, was synthesized from l-valine and naphthalene-1-sulfonyl chloride. The hydrogen-bonded carb-oxy-lic acid groups form a catemer C(4) motif extending along [100]. The catemer structure is reinforced by a rather long N-H⋯O hydrogen bond, between the sulfamide N-H group and a carb-oxy-lic acid O atom [H⋯O = 2.52 (2) Å], and a C-H⋯O hydrogen bond.

Crystal structure of ethylN-(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)carbamate

In the title compound, C₁₄H₁₇N₃O₃, the dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the five-membered di­hydro­pyrazole ring is 52.26 (9)°. The ethyl ester group is approximately planar (r.m.s. deviation 0.0568 Å) and subtends an angle 67.73 (8)° to the pyrazole ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by pairs of N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion dimers with an R₂²(10) ring motif. Weaker C—H⋯O contacts link these dimers into a three-dimensional network of mol­ecules stacked along the a-axis direction. Offset π–π stacking inter­actions between the benzene rings [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.8832 (12) Å] further stabilize the crystal packing.

Antioxidant potential of phenolic extracts of Mimusops elengi

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the antioxidant potential of the phenolic extracts of Mimusops elengi (M. elengi) L. (Sapotaceae).

METHODS

The extract of stem bark and seeds of M. elengi were prepared in methanol and acetone:water (7:3). The acetone: water was further partitioned with ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Antioxidant activity of the extracts and partitioned fractions of M. elengi was evaluated in terms of radical scavenging potential (DPPH), inhibition of lipid peroxidation [ferric thiocyanate (FTC)], and total antioxidant activity (phosphomolybdate method). Total phenolics content were calculated using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent.

RESULTS

The stem bark extract partitioned with ethyl acetate exhibited highest amount of total phenols (98.0 mg GAE/g dry weight), among all other extracts, with 92.0% DPPH radical scavenging activity at concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, while methanol extract (stem bark) had maximum inhibition of lipid peroxidation (62.0%) and total antioxidant activity (771.0 mg/g GAE/g). A positive correlation occurred between total phenols and radical scavenging activity (R (2) = 0.922 9) and total antioxidant activity (R (2) = 0.945 1).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggested that antioxidant activity of stembark extract of M. elengi is due the presence of phenolic compounds. Furthermore, the bark extract is a valuable source of natural antioxidants.

Crystal structure of catena-poly[[tri-methyl-tin(IV)]-μ-2-(2-nitro-phen-yl)acetato-κ(2) O:O']

In the title one-dimensional coordination polymer, [Sn(CH3)3(C8H6NO4)] n , the Sn(IV) atom is coordinated by three methyl C atoms and two carboxyl-ate O atoms (one symmetry generated), resulting in an almost regular SnC3O2 trigonal pyramid. The C atoms occupy the equatorial sites and the O atoms occupy the axial sites. In the ligand, the dihedral angles between the benzene ring and the pendant acetate and nitro groups are 57.7 (1) and 36.9 (3)°, respectively. The bridging ligand leads to [010] chains in the crystal, with adjacent metal atoms related by a 21 screw axis. A weak π-π inter-action exists between the centroids of symmetry-related benzene rings at a distance of 3.9131 (19) Å.

Tetra-aqua-bis-[2-(2-nitro-phen-yl)acetato-κO]cobalt(II)

The mol-ecule of the title compound, [Co(C8H6NO4)2(H2O)4], is centrosymmetric. It is a cobalt(II) complex, bearing two (2-nitro-phen-yl)acetate and four aqua ligands. The coordination around the Co(II) atom is distorted octa-hedral, defined by four O atoms of water mol-ecules in the equatorial plane and by two carboxyl-ate O atoms at axial positions. The dihedral angles between the benzene ring and the acetate and nitro groups are 61.90 (10) and 19.21 (11)°, respectively. The water mol-ecules form O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds with the nitro and carboxyl-ate groups, leading to a layered structural arrangement parallel to (001).

Cuscuta reflexa and Carthamus Oxyacantha: potent sources of alternative and complimentary drug

The present study was designed to evaluate the biological potential of Cuscuta reflexa and Carthamus oxyacantha. The ethanolic crude extract (C. reflexa; 9.1% and C. oxyacantha; 10.4%) was partitioned with different solvents at pH 3.0, 9.0 and 7.0. Phytochemical study showed that n-hexane fractions were rich source of terpenoids and ethyl acetate fractions were phenolic in nature while chloroform fractions contained alkaloidal skeleton. Total phenols were calculated with FC method and ranged 3.5 to 71.4 mg GAE/100 g DW. Antioxidant (DPPH & FRAP), enzyme inhibition potential (Protease & AChE) and antimicrobial activities were examined by the standard protocols. It was observed that about all extracts exhibited significant DPPH activity range (IC₅₀ 09 ± 0.5 to 62 ± 1.2 μg/ml). The DPPH active extracts/fractions also showed remarkable reducing potential. A strong correlation has been found between phenolics and antioxidant activities. Antimicrobial assay that was performed against four microbes and results revealed that FMC-6 and FMP-8 were active against all the tested microbes, while FMP-2 was inactive. Eight extracts/fractions of these plants expressed more than 50% inhibition of the targeted enzymes.

Enzyme inhibition, antioxidant and antibacterial potential of vasicine isolated from Adhatoda vasica Nees

Vasicine (1) was isolated from the ethanolic extract of Adhatoda vasica Nees (Acanthaceae) and the structure was confirmed using spectroscopic techniques. Acetylcholine esterase, trypsin, DPPH inhibition potential and FRAP assay were carried out using in vitro models. The results showed 38.4 ± 1.2% and 37.4 ± 1.1% activity in acetylcholine and trypsin inhibition assays respectively. The compound (1) exhibited significant DPPH inhibition activity (70.4 ± 1.3%, IC(50) = 212.3 ± 1.9 μM). A dose dependant behavior of vasicine (1), was indicated in the FRAP assay. Antibacterial activity was checked according to agar well diffusion assay and results revealed that vasicine (1) showed moderate activity.

An investigation of phenolic compounds from plant sources as trypsin inhibitors

In the search of new trypsin inhibitors caffeic acid (1), cinnamic acid (2), gallic acid (3) and eugenol (4) from Cinnamomum zeylanicum, ferulic acid (5) from Impatiens bicolor, vanillin (6) from Melia azedarach and catechol (7) from Allium cepa were isolated through bioassay guided fractionation of the plant extracts. IC (50) values of the compounds 1, 2 and 5 were found to be 0.35 ± 0.02 mM, 0.96 ± 0.05 mM and 1.22 ± 0.06 mM, respectively. Lineweaver-Burk and Dixon plots and their secondary replots showed that 1 was non-competitive inhibitor of this enzyme with K(i) value 0.102 ± 0.006 mM.

3-Benzyl-5-benzyl-idene-2-sulfanylidene-1,3-thia-zolidin-4-one

In the title mol­ecule, C₁₇H₁₃NOS₂, the essentially planar thia­zole ring (r.m.s deviation 0.005 Å) forms dihedral angles of 16.85 (8)° and 75.02 (8)° with the phenyl rings. The dihedral angle between the two phenyl rings is 61.95 (9)°.

N-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)benzene-sulfonamide

In the title compound, C₁₃H₁₃NO₃S, the benzene ring of the benzene­sulfonamide moiety is disordered with an occupancy ratio of 0.56 (3):0.44 (3), the disorder components being twisted at and angle of 21 (1)° to each other. The meth­oxy­benzene group is roughly planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0144 Å) and the amide N atom is displaced from this plane by 0.090 (6) Å. The dihedral angles between the meth­oxy­benzene group and the major and minor occupancy components of the disordered benzene ring are 54.6 (4) and 62.9 (5)°, respectively. In the crystal, infinite polymeric chains are formed along [100] due to inter­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bonding. Weak C—H⋯π inter­actions are also present in the crystal.

3-Benzyl-2-sulfanyl-idene-1,3-thia-zolidin-4-one

In the title compound, C₁₀H₉NOS₂, the five-membered heterocyclic ring and the benzyl moiety are oriented at a dihedral angle of 77.25 (4)°. In the crystal, infinite polymeric C(6) chains extending along [001] are formed due to C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. C—H⋯π inter­actions link the chains, building up a three-dimensional network.

3-(4-Methyl-phen-yl)-2-thioxo-1,3-thia-zolidin-4-one

In the title compound, C₁₀H₉NOS₂, the toluene group and the 2-thioxo-1,3-thia­zolidin-4-one unit are planar with r.m.s. deviations of 0.0082 and 0.0136 Å, respectively. The dihedral angle between them is 71.20 (9)°. In the crystal, the mol­ecules are stabilized through inter­molecular C—H⋯O contacts, forming polymeric sheets extending parallel to the (01) plane. C—H⋯π contacts also occur.

2-Benzoyl-2H-1,4-benzothia-zin-3(4H)-one

In the title compound, C(15)H(11)NO(2)S, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 80.35 (7)°. The heterocyclic six-membered ring is not planar: the puckering parameters of this ring are Q = 0.5308 (15) Å, θ = 63.11 (18) and ϕ = 23.5 (2)°. The mol-ecules are linked into inversion dimers with R(2) (2)(8) ring motifs by pairs of N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The dimers are inter-linked into polymeric sheets extending parallel to the bc plane by C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, generating R(2) (1)(7) ring motifs. π-π inter-actions occur between the benzoyl phenyl rings with centroid-centroid separations of 3.9187 (15) Å.